Former Detroit Piston Isiah Thomas, who was friends with Franklin, will be one of the speakers at the ceremony.

Thomas and Franklin became friends in the 1980s, when the point guard was drafted by the Pistons. The two-time NBA champion would win back-to-back trophies with the Pistons in 1989 and 1990.

Isiah Thomas has been friends with the late Aretha Franklin since the 1980s when he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons. Thomas will give a speech at Franklin’s funeral this Friday. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Former President Bill Clinton, Tyler Perry, Rev. Al Sharpton, and the Detroit Mayor and Michigan Governor are also scheduled to speak at the Friday service.